City considers max size for accessory structures

The Peachtree Corners City Council recently heard the first suggested amendments to city zoning that regulates the maximum size and height of residential accessory structures. Accessory structures are already permitted only in rear yards with exceptions such as mailboxes, driveways, walkways, lamp posts, landscaping and vegetable gardens provided they do not exceed 30 percent of the front yard.

Pro po sed new gui d elines would apply to storage buildings, patios, swimming pools, dog runs, dog pens and houses, detached garages, tennis courts and playground equipment.

The new guidelines are dictated by the size and number of stories of the primary residence. For one-story homes, accessory structures could not exceed 50 percent of the habitable square footage of the primary structure or 800 square feet, whichever is less and could not exceed one story or 16 feet in height, whichever is less. The new structure would need to be set back from the property line at least five feet unless provided by other zoning.

With two or more stories, the accessory structure ground floor area could not exceed 50 percent of the habitable square footage of the primary structure or 800 square feet, whichever is less and not exceed two stories or 30 feet in height, whichever is less. Onestory accessory structures not exceeding 16 feet in height must be set back five feet from an property line and two-story accessory structures must be set back at least 15 feet from any property line unless authorized by other zoning.

The council will hear a second read and conduct a public hearing at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at City Hall, 147 Technology Parkway, Suite 200.